Two defeats at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. Two draws before that against Reading and Sheffield United and Reading. Aston Villa has failed to pick up three points since our game against Ipswich Town in January.
Villa and Dean Smith are in desperate need to get another three points to avoid splitting down the league. Can we return to winning ways against Stoke City on Saturday?
Stoke City
Things were bad for us when we first got relegated. They aren’t exactly great now but let’s take a look at Stoke. The Potters currently sit 17th in the Championship and have failed to win in their last 5 league games. The last time they managed to pick up three points was when they beat Leeds on January 19th.
Their new manager Nathan Jones has struggled to make an impact at Stoke, so far. I am just hopeful that the gods will be with Villa on Saturday and we can get back to winning ways at the Bet365.
Goals have been hard to come by of late for both sides. Most would even suggest that this has a goalless draw written all over it. Stoke have scored 1 goal in their last 5. Villa may have scored 5 in the same amount of games but have also conceded 7.
Defensive record
Our defensive record this season has quite frankly been embarrassing. Only two teams in the top four tears of English football have conceded more than Villa. Ipswich Town and Rochdale.
We are one of the highest scoring teams in the Championship this season but the goals against us have cost us dearly. We have lost 19 points from winning positions. Had we not lost them we would have been joint top with Norwich.
Tyrone Mings has added stability over the last few games and looks to be a great signing. His pace and strength are there for all to see, and his passion is strong considering he’s been at the club for just weeks. I think I speak for all Villa fans when I say we need to sign him in the summer. He looks a real player and I think an early contender for next seasons armband if we are to make the move permanent.
My prediction for the weekend, as always, is an optimistic one. We have to win again eventually and Saturday is the day: 1-3 villa. Tammy Abraham and Jack Grealish to score (Jack off the bench). We need to get back on track.
Why not tell us your prediction in the Avillafan Prediction league?
UTV
